Polar Bear Adaptations
Videos
GradesK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5Biology
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Provided by Polar Bears International
What it is
- In this video, students will learn about many physical traits that polar bears share that allow them to withstand their cold arctic climate, hunt their prey, and find their mates.
- The video ends with a plea to help protect polar bears and the sea ice they depend on for survival.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The speaker is very engaging and uses props like a fur sample, skull, and model paw.
- Difficult vocabulary words appear on the screen with illustrations.
Additional Prerequisites
- The descriptions of hunting and the skull, teeth, and claws may be frightening or sad for very young children.
Differentiation
- Teachers can expand on this video by helping students identify ways climate change impacts polar bears and their environment.
- Students can research conservation efforts aimed at preserving sea ice and polar bear populations.
- As an extension activity, students could research and present the adaptations of a different arctic animal that is threatened by sea ice melt.
- High school science classes could incorporate this video into lessons about genetics, phylogeny, evolution, or natural selection.
- Other resources that would pair well with this video include this lesson on polar climates, this polar bear fact sheet, and this interactive polar bear tracker.
From the scientist review
This video highlights the peculiarity of polar bears and how this species has adapted to the Arctic climate. It draws attention to the need to protect this species under threat of extinction. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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